Slat for a conveyor

ABSTRACT

A slat for a conveyor that has one or more curves.

Applicant claims priority to US nonprovisional Patent Application entitled—Slat for a Conveyor—, Ser. No. 14/768,703, filed Aug. 18, 2015 that claims priority to PCT Application entitled—Slat for a Conveyor—, Serial No. PCT/US2014/062331, filed Oct. 27, 2014 that claims priority to US provisional Patent Application entitled—Conveyor for Transporting Articles Along a Generally Vertical Path and Endless Carrier for a Conveyor—, Ser. No. 61/902,885, filed Nov. 12, 2013.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A. Field of the Invention

Among other things, the present invention includes a slat compatible with conveyors having one or more curves.

B. Description of the Previous Art

Any discussion of references cited in this Description of the Previous Art merely summarizes the disclosures of the cited references and Applicant makes no admission that any cited reference or portion thereof is relevant prior art. Applicant reserves the right to challenge the accuracy, relevancy and veracity of the cited references.

1) U.S. Pat. No. 7,963,389—Broers et al. enables a conveyor. Among other things, Broers does not disclose a slat comprising: a first side capable of carrying articles; a central transverse axis; and a second side opposite the first side comprising landing gears on opposed sides of the central transverse axis, where each landing gear further comprises a wheel set apart from the second side and capable of engaging a surface distinct from the landing gear.

2) U.S. Pat. No. 6,336,551—Balk enables a conveyor. Among other things, Balk does not disclose a slat comprising: a first side capable of carrying articles; a central transverse axis; and a second side opposite the first side comprising landing gears on opposed sides of the central transverse axis, where each landing gear further comprises a wheel set apart from the second side and capable of engaging a surface distinct from the landing gear.

3) U.S. Pat. No. 3,627,109—Cabak enables a conveyor construction. Among other things, Cabak does not disclose a slat comprising: a first side capable of carrying articles; a central transverse axis; and a second side opposite the first side comprising landing gears on opposed sides of the central transverse axis, where each landing gear further comprises a wheel set apart from the second side and capable of engaging a surface distinct from the landing gear.

4) U.S. Pat. No. 3,826,352—Van Zon, et al. enables a spiral column for endless chain conveyor. Among other things, Van Zon does not disclose a slat comprising: a first side capable of carrying articles; a central transverse axis; and a second side opposite the first side comprising landing gears on opposed sides of the central transverse axis, where each landing gear further comprises a wheel set apart from the second side and capable of engaging a surface distinct from the landing gear.

5) U.S. Pat. No. 5,176,247—Counter, et al. enables a sideplexing conveyor chain including low centerline hinge pin. Among other things, Counter does not disclose a slat comprising: a first side capable of carrying articles; a central transverse axis; and a second side opposite the first side comprising landing gears on opposed sides of the central transverse axis, where each landing gear further comprises a wheel set apart from the second side and capable of engaging a surface distinct from the landing gear.

6) U.S. Pat. No. 5,775,480—Lapeyre, et al. enables a low-friction conveyor assembly. Among other things, Lapeyre does not disclose a slat comprising: a first side capable of carrying articles; a central transverse axis; and a second side opposite the first side comprising landing gears on opposed sides of the central transverse axis, where each landing gear further comprises a wheel set apart from the second side and capable of engaging a surface distinct from the landing gear.

7) U.S. Pat. No. 7,556,142—Stebnicki, et al. enables a conveyor plate with integrated roller. Among other things, Stebnicki does not disclose a slat comprising: a first side capable of carrying articles; a central transverse axis; and a second side opposite the first side comprising landing gears on opposed sides of the central transverse axis, where each landing gear further comprises a wheel set apart from the second side and capable of engaging a surface distinct from the landing gear.

8) U.S. Pat. No. 7,854,315—Stebnicki, et al. enables a conveyor plate with integrated roller. The '315 Patent is a divisional Patent flowing from U.S. Pat. No. 7,556,142—Stebnicki, et al. Thus, the '315 Patent provides the same disclosure as the '142 Patent.

9) U.S. Pat. No. 4,645,070—Homeier enables a dual bend conveyor. Among other things, Homeier does not disclose a slat comprising: a first side capable of carrying articles; a central transverse axis; and a second side opposite the first side comprising landing gears on opposed sides of the central transverse axis, where each landing gear further comprises a wheel set apart from the second side and capable of engaging a surface distinct from the landing gear.

10) US Published Patent Application 20050150748—Zubair, et al. discloses a low-friction conveyor. Among other things, Zubair does not disclose a slat comprising: a first side capable of carrying articles; a central transverse axis; and a second side opposite the first side comprising landing gears on opposed sides of the central transverse axis, where each landing gear further comprises a wheel set apart from the second side and capable of engaging a surface distinct from the landing gear.

11) WO 2012154030—Ooi, B., et al. discloses a link for a conveyor chain, a conveyor chain made up of said links and a method of operation of said conveyor chain. Among other things, Ooi does not disclose a slat comprising: a first side capable of carrying articles; a central transverse axis; and a second side opposite the first side comprising landing gears on opposed sides of the central transverse axis, where each landing gear further comprises a wheel set apart from the second side and capable of engaging a surface distinct from the landing gear.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Unlike prior art systems, the current invention utilizes a novel and nonobvious endless carrier including slats having landing gears carrying wheels set apart from the slat, where the wheels are capable of engaging a surface distinctive from the landing gears.

An aspect of a preferred embodiment of the current invention is to provide slats with landing gears including wheels.

Another aspect of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is to provide an endless carrier for a conveyor where the combination of the slat, the landing gears and the wheels reduces friction encountered by the endless carrier as the endless carrier moves about the support supporting the endless carrier.

Still another aspect of a preferred embodiment of the current invention is to provide slats with landing gears and wheels capable of reducing the weight-load resistance encountered by the endless carrier as the endless carrier moves articles over the article's transportation path.

Another aspect of a preferred embodiment the present invention is to better distribute the various load stresses encountered by the slat across the length of slat rather than have the load stresses concentrated near the center-point of the slat.

Still another aspect of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is to provide a stable slat whether the load is carried about the center of the slat or near the slat's lateral edges.

Yet another aspect of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is to provide a landing gear that is integral with the slat.

Another aspect of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is to provide landing gears that improve vertical stability of the slats whether the weight load is distributed proximate the slat's center or about the slat's lateral edges.

Still another aspect of a preferred embodiment of the current invention is to simplify the structures required for restraining the tendency of the endless carrier to pull away from the endless carrier's support as the endless carrier moves through one or more curves associated with the conveyor's article transportation path.

Yet another aspect of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is to provide a landing gear with a wheel capable of engaging the endless conveyor's support where the vertical and horizontal movement of the landing gear can be limited while rotational movement of the wheel is not limited.

Still another aspect of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is to provide a landing gear/wheel combination that limits movement of the slat to a predetermined range for improving the slat's carrying performance and safe usage.

A preferred embodiment of the current invention can be described as a conveyor utilizing a plurality of slats; the conveyor comprising: a) a helical support comprising: i) a first track, wherein at least a portion of the first track spirals simultaneously with the helical support; ii) a second track, opposite the first track, wherein at least a portion of the second track spirals simultaneously with the helical support; and iii) a wall positioned between the first track and the second track; wherein at least a portion of the wall spirals simultaneously with the helical support; b) the plurality of slats traveling an endless pathway about the helical support; each slat having a superior article carrying side and an opposed side; wherein the opposed side further comprises: i) a first landing gear integral with the slat carrying a first wheel for engaging the first track, wherein vertical and horizontal movement but not rotational movement of the rotatable first wheel is limited by contact with the first track; and ii) a second landing gear integral with the slat carrying a second wheel for engaging the second track, wherein vertical and horizontal movement but not rotational movement of the second wheel is limited by contact with the second track; and c) a drive driving the plurality of slats.

Another preferred embodiment the current invention can be described as a conveyor utilizing a plurality of slats comprising: a) a support comprising: i) a first track routed about a first side of the support; and ii) a second track routed about a second side of the support; b) the plurality of slats defining a movable endless carrier traversing the support, wherein each slat has a superior article carrying side and an opposed side, and wherein the opposed side of each slat further comprises: i) a first landing gear carrying a first wheel for engaging the first track, wherein vertical and horizontal movement of the first wheel is limited by the first track; and ii) a second landing gear carrying a second wheel for engaging the second track, wherein vertical and horizontal movement of the second wheel is limited by the second track; and c) a drive driving the endless carrier.

Still another preferred embodiment the current invention can be described as an endless plurality of slats driven about a support, wherein the support comprises a first track proximate a first side of the support and a second track proximate a second side of the support, wherein each of the plurality of slats comprises an article carrying side and an opposed side, and wherein one or more of the opposed sides comprises: a) a first landing gear carrying a first wheel for engaging the first track for limiting vertical and horizontal movement but not rotational movement of the first wheel; and b) a second landing gear carrying a second wheel for engaging the second track for limiting vertical and horizontal movement but not rotational movement of the first wheel.

Yet another preferred embodiment of the current invention can be described as an endless plurality of slats driven about a support, wherein the support comprises a first track proximate a first side of the support and a second track proximate a second side of the support, wherein each of the plurality of slats comprises an article carrying side and an opposed side, and wherein one or more of the opposed sides comprises a first landing gear carrying a first wheel for engaging the first track and a second landing gear carrying a second wheel for engaging the second track.

Yet still another preferred embodiment of the current invention can be described as an endless plurality of slats driven about a support, wherein each of the plurality of slats comprises an article carrying side, an opposed side and a central transverse axis, and wherein one or more of the opposed sides comprises: a) a first landing gear carrying a first wheel set apart from the opposed side, wherein the first landing gear is located on a first side of the central transverse axis; and b) a second landing gear carrying a second wheel set apart from the opposed side, wherein the second landing gear is located on a second side of the central transverse axis.

Yet another preferred embodiment of the current invention can be described as a slat for an endless carrier of a conveyor; the slat comprising a superior article carrying side and an opposed side, wherein the opposed side further comprises first and second landing gears carrying wheels traversing an approximate distance of an article transportation path and engaging opposed tracks associated with the article transportation path of the conveyor.

Still another preferred embodiment of the current invention can be described as a slat for an endless loop traversing a conveyor; the slat comprising: a) a first side capable of carrying articles; b) a central transverse axis; and c) a second side opposite the first side; the second side comprising landing gears on opposed sides of the central transverse axis, wherein each landing gear further comprises a wheel set apart from the second side and capable of engaging a surface distinct from the landing gear.

It is the novel and unique interaction of these simple elements which creates the system within the ambit of the present invention. Select preferred embodiments of the current invention have been disclosed and enabled as required by Title 35 of the United States Code. However, it is to be understood that the descriptions of the preferred embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view that shows a conveyor incorporating multiple curves and opposed tracks for interacting with wheels associated with the slats' landing gears.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view that shows a conveyor incorporating multiple curves and opposed tracks for interacting with wheels associated with the slats' landing gears.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a conveyor incorporating multiple curves and opposed tracks for interacting with wheels associated with the slats' landing gears.

FIG. 4 is a perspective of a spiral conveyor and opposed tracks for interacting with wheels associated with the slats' landing gears.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view that shows a helical conveyor incorporating multiple curves and opposed tracks for interacting with wheels associated with the slats' landing gears.

FIG. 6 illustrates a preferred embodiment of slats in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an view of the inferior sides of a section of slats of the endless carrier.

FIG. 8 is a rear view of a preferred embodiment of a slat of the endless carrier.

FIG. 9 is a rear view of a preferred embodiment of a slat of the endless carrier.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Among other things, the present invention is a slat for a conveyor. Preferred embodiments of the current slat are compatible with a plethora of conveyors, including straight conveyors, curved conveyors as well as conveyors having both straight and curved sections. Preferred embodiments of the current slat can be attached together by any means acceptable in the art to form an endless loop that traverses about the conveyor. Each slat has a first side for carrying articles, a central transverse axis and a second side opposite the first side that is provided with landing gears on opposed sides of the central transverse axis. A wheel is set apart from the second side of the slat and carried by the landing gear such that the wheel is capable of engaging a surface that is distinct from the landing gear.

For many years, the conveyor industry has utilized conveyors with slats to move articles. Most of the prior art slats ride against the slat support and generate frictional resistance. Such friction forces decrease the efficiency of such conveying systems while simultaneously increasing the power consumption and wear and tear of such conveying systems.

Some manufacturers of conveying slats have attempted to reduce frictional resistance by incorporating bearings into the slats. In such prior slat systems, the bearings contact the slat support at angles other than generally normal to the slat. The prior use of these radially located bearings requires the use of oversized bearings and decreases the efficiency of these systems. Because Applicants' landing gear/wheel combination is generally perpendicular to the slat, the current invention can pull greater package loads than the prior systems while the landing gear/wheel combination results in the present invention pulling lesser conveyor loads than prior systems. Through experimentation, the inventors have discovered that integral slat/landing gear/wheel combinations are well suited for the practice of the current invention. By way of example, integral slat/landing gear/wheel combinations have fewer parts to wear out and are easier to assemble and replace.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view depicting a slat support (150) of conveyor (30) incorporating multiple curves, walls (180) and opposed tracks (210) for interacting with wheels associated with the slats' landing gears. Slat support (150), walls (180) and opposed tracks (210) are supported by any conveyor frame (not shown) acceptable in the art. In this view, except for the section of slats (60) of endless carrier (40) illustrated in FIG. 1, the remaining slats (60) of endless carrier (40) have been cut away to reveal slat support (150). Among other things, the FIG. 1 slat support (150) illustrates varying height, pitch, radius and direction.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view depicting a slat support (150) of conveyor (30) incorporating multiple curves, walls (180) and opposed tracks (210) for interacting with wheels associated with the slats' landing gears. Slat support (150), walls (180) and opposed tracks (210) are supported by any conveyor frame (not shown) acceptable in the art. In this view, except for the section of slats (60) of endless carrier (40) illustrated in FIG. 2, the remaining slats (60) of endless carrier (40) have been cut away to reveal slat support (150). Among other things, the FIG. 2 slat support (150) illustrates varying height, radius and direction.

FIG. 3 is a top view depicting a slat support (150) of conveyor (30) incorporating multiple curves, walls (180) and opposed tracks (210) for interacting with wheels associated with the slats' landing gears. Slat support (150), walls (180) and opposed tracks (210) are supported by any conveyor frame (not shown) acceptable in the art. In this view, except for the section of slats (60) of endless carrier (40) illustrated in FIG. 3, the remaining slats (60) of endless carrier (40) have been cut away to reveal slat support (150). Among other things, the FIG. 3 slat support (150) illustrates varying height, radius and direction.

FIG. 4 is a perspective of a spiral slat support (150) of conveyor (30) incorporating multiple curves, wall (180) and opposed tracks (210) for interacting with wheels associated with the slats' landing gears. Slat support (150), wall (180) and opposed tracks (210) are supported by any conveyor frame (not shown) acceptable in the art. In this view, except for the section of slats (60) of endless carrier (40) illustrated in FIG. 4, the remaining slats (60) of endless carrier (40) have been cut away to reveal slat support (150). Among other things, the FIG. 4 slat support (150) illustrates constant pitch, radius and direction.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a helical slat support (150) of conveyor (30) incorporating multiple curves, wall (180) and opposed tracks (210) for interacting with wheels associated with the slats' landing gears. Slat support (150), wall (180) and opposed tracks (210) are supported by any conveyor frame (not shown) acceptable in the art. In this view, except for the section of slats (60) of endless carrier (40) illustrated in FIG. 5, the remaining slats (60) of endless carrier (40) have been cut away to reveal slat support (150). Among other things, the FIG. 5 slat support (150) illustrates constant pitch, radius and direction.

FIG. 6 illustrates a preferred embodiment of slats (60) in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 6 is a top view of superior article carrying or first sides (66) of a section of slats (60) of endless carrier (40). FIG. 7 is a view of second or opposed sides (68) of a section of slats (60) of endless carrier (40). As shown in FIG. 7, chain (90) interconnects opposed sides (68) of slats (60). Chain or interconnected links (90) can be driven by any drive (not shown in this view) acceptable in the art for driving endless carrier (40) about conveyor (30).

Within the scope of the current invention, preferred embodiments of the slats (60) and landing gears (80 f, 80 s) can be manufactured of high strength polymer or other synthetics. A preferred embodiment of a landing gear's wheel or wheels (82 f, 82 s) can include high precision sealed or unsealed bearings. By way of example, select preferred embodiments of the current slats have: a thickness of about 3.2 centimeters; a length of about 61 centimeters; and a weight of about 340 grams.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are rear views of preferred embodiments of slat (60) of endless carrier (40). Slat (60) includes superior side (66) and second side (68). For the section of endless carrier (40) transporting articles, second side (68) is superior to tracks (210 f, 210 s) receiving wheels (82 f, 82 s) carried by landing gears (80 f, 80 s) depending from second side (68) of slat (60). Landing gears (80 f, 80 s) can be integral with slat (60) or attached to slat (60) via any means acceptable in the art. As shown, wheels (82 f, 82 s) are carried by landing gears (80 f, 80 s) and are set apart from second side (68) of slat (60) such that wheels (82 f, 82 s) can engage a surface that is distinct from landing gears (80 f, 80 s) and slat (60). Further, in select preferred embodiments of endless carrier (40), it is not required that landing gears (80 f, 80 s) are attached to every slat (60) of endless carrier (40) for functionality of endless carrier (40).

Preferred embodiments of tracks (210 f, 210 s) are provided with upper rails (212 f, 212 s), lower rails (214 f, 214 s) and connecting members (216 f, 216 s). The combination of upper rails (212 f, 212 s), lower rail (214 f, 214 s) and connecting member or connectors (216 f, 216 s) controls the vertical and horizontal movements but not the rotational movements of wheels (82 f, 82 s) of landing gear (80 f, 80 s). Construction of tracks (210 f, 210 s) in accordance with select preferred embodiments of the current invention allows tracks (210 f, 210 s) to capture wheels (82 f, 82 s) and enhances safer use of endless carrier (40). Select preferred embodiments of track (210) are provided with lower rail (214 f, 214 s) protectors (218 f, 218 s) for increasing the wearability of tracks (210 f, 210 s).

As shown in the preferred embodiment of FIG. 8, clevis (100) carrying roller bearing (110) is attached to link (90). Roller bearing (110) engages wall (180) and assists endless carrier's (40) movement through a curve of conveyor (30). Preferred embodiments of the structures portrayed in FIG. 8 are generally used for conveyors having one or more curves only in a single direction. Within the scope of the preferred embodiment disclosed in FIG. 8, the attachment of a clevis (100) to each link is not required for functionality of link (90) of the chain within the scope of the current invention. And for select conveyors, a clevis is not required for functionality of endless carrier (40).

FIG. 9 is a rear view of a preferred embodiment of slat (60) of endless carrier (40). As shown in the preferred embodiment disclosed in FIG. 9, two devises (100 f, 100 s) carrying roller bearings (110 f, 110 s) are attached to opposed sides of chain (90). Each roller bearing (110 f, 110 s) engages a wall (180 f, 180 s) and assists endless carrier's (40) movement through curves of conveyor (30). Preferred embodiments of the structures portrayed in FIG. 9 are generally used for conveyors having curves in more than a single direction.

As shown in the preferred embodiment of FIG. 9, devises (100 f, 100 s) carrying roller bearings (110 f, 110 s) are attached to link (90) of chain. Roller bearings (110 f, 110 s) engage walls (180 f, 180 s) and assist endless carrier's (40) movement through curves of conveyor (30). Preferred embodiments of the structures portrayed in FIG. 9 are generally used for conveyors having curves in more than a single direction. Within the scope of the preferred embodiment disclosed in FIG. 9, the attachment of a clevis (100 f or 100 s) to each link (90) is not required for functionality of endless carrier (40).

Pursuant to Title 35 of the United States Code, preferred embodiments of the current system invention have been disclosed and enabled. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A conveyor comprising: a) slats comprising article carrying sides and opposed sides, wherein one or more of said opposed sides comprises: i) a first landing gear carrying a first wheel; and ii) a second landing gear carrying a second wheel; b) a support for said slats; said support comprising two tracks separate from each other; said tracks engaging at least some of said wheels, wherein at least one of said tracks comprises an upper rail and a lower rail; c) chain links connected to at least some of said slats, wherein said first landing gear is positioned on a first side of said chain links and said second landing gear is positioned on a second side of said chain links; and d) a clevis and roller bearing combination connected to some of said chain links, wherein said roller bearing engages a wall of said conveyor for a length corresponding to an article transportation path of said conveyor.
 2. The conveyor of claim 1 further comprising a connector extending between said upper rail and said lower rail.
 3. The conveyor of claim 2, wherein said landing gears are integral with said slat.
 4. The conveyor of claim 3, wherein said lower rail further comprises a protector.
 5. The conveyor of claim 2, wherein at least some of said chain links further comprise a second clevis and roller bearing combination attached to a second side thereof.
 6. The conveyor of claim 2, wherein axes of rotation of said wheels are parallel said article transportation path.
 7. A plurality of slats for an endless carrier of a conveyor; each said slat comprising a superior article carrying side and an opposed side, wherein said opposed side further comprises first and second landing gears carrying wheels traversing an approximate distance of an article transportation path of said conveyor; said conveyor further comprising tracks limiting vertical and horizontal movement of said wheels and one or more links of a chain connected to at least some of said opposed sides such that said first landing gear is positioned on a first side of said links and said second landing gear is positioned on a second side of said links; some of said links comprising a clevis and roller bearing combination, wherein said roller bearing rolls along a wall of said conveyor for a length approximating said distance of said article transportation path.
 8. The conveyor of claim 7, wherein at least one of said tracks comprises an upper rail and a lower rail.
 9. The conveyor of claim 8 further comprising a connector extending between said upper rail and said lower rail.
 10. The conveyor of claim 9, wherein at least one of said rails comprises a protector contactable by said wheels.
 11. The conveyor of claim 8, wherein said first and second landing gears are integral with said slat.
 12. The conveyor of claim 11, wherein axes of rotation of said wheels are parallel said article transportation path.
 13. A slat for an endless carrier of a conveyor; said slat comprising a superior article carrying side and an opposed side; said opposed side attachable to one of a plurality of chain links and further comprising first and second landing gears, on opposite sides of said plurality of chain links, carrying wheels traversing an approximate distance of an article transportation path of said conveyor, wherein at least some of said chain links are provided with a clevis and roller bearing combination allowing said roller bearing to engage a wall of said conveyor for a length approximating said distance of said article transportation path.
 14. The conveyor of claim 13 comprising tracks limiting vertical and horizontal movement of said wheels.
 15. The conveyor of claim 14, wherein at least one of said tracks comprises an upper rail and a lower rail.
 16. The conveyor of claim 15 further comprising a connector extending between said upper rail and said lower rail.
 17. The conveyor of claim 16, wherein said first and second landing gears are integral with said slat.
 18. The conveyor of claim 17, wherein axes of rotation of said wheels are parallel said article transportation path. 